NOVEL NEXT Chapter 72: Chapter 72
Alex sat at his desk, still reeling from the earlier revelations about the shifting dynamics in the world. He had just finished a research session in Smart Mode, and the excitement of his new findings lingered in the back of his mind when a notification popped up on his screen. It was a message from Arjun ---cosmic traveler---, one of his more insightful followers from the forum.
"Hey Star Gazer," it began, "I saw your latest post. You mentioned that 'the world is changing.' Can you clarify what you mean by that? I'm curious about your perspective."
Alex leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. Did I really say that? he thought. The phrase had rolled off his tongue without much thought, but now, he realized it might have raised more questions than he intended.
"Hey Arjun," he replied, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. "I meant it metaphorically. There are shifts happening in mental practices and people's abilities, but it's not something to panic about."
He could almost picture Arjun reading his message, the confusion etching itself on his face. "You're not alone if you're feeling a bit off; many are experiencing similar effects."
"So it's not just me?" Arjun responded almost instantly, his tone revealing a mix of relief and curiosity.
"Exactly! People are adapting in different ways. It's a learning curve. I'm still figuring it all out myself."
Alex felt a surge of empathy for Arjun. He knew the struggle of trying to make sense of the chaos swirling around them. "Take it easy on your practice for now, and focus on grounding yourself. We'll get through this."
Arjun's reply came quickly. "Thanks, Alex. You always seem to have a handle on things. I just hope I can catch up to you one day."
As the conversation ended, Alex found himself smiling at the exchange. However, his smile faded when he thought about the implications of Arjun addressing him by his real name. How did he know?
Alex ran a hand through his hair, unease creeping in. With a quick memory recall, he remembered when he carelessly disclosed his real name during one of his interactives sessions at the early days months ago. It was one thing to share insights and experiences, but he hadn't expected his identity to become part of the discussion. He thought back to the forum's increasing popularity and how much attention they had drawn. Could it be that people were connecting the dots?
He pulled up his browser and began searching for ways to enhance his online security. He'd always been cautious, but this was a wake-up call. If Arjun had figured out who he was, others might have as well. I can't risk exposure, especially now that I'm trying to figure out my own powers and their implications.
Alex noted down a list of topics to research: hacking, encryption, anti-hacking strategies, and privacy tools. He understood that knowledge was power, and in this digital age, safeguarding his identity was just as crucial as his mental development.
Determined, he spent the next few hours diving into the world of cybersecurity, absorbing information like a sponge. He learned about VPNs, firewalls, and the importance of strong passwords. He also found courses on ethical hacking, where he could learn both sides of the coin—how to protect himself and how hackers operate.
As he absorbed the information, Alex realized that the path ahead would require not just mental strength but also technical savvy. He felt invigorated by the idea of mastering this new skill set. It was another layer of preparation for whatever challenges lay ahead, especially as he started to see the world change around him.